Download GHR Job Description Position: Psychiatric Nurse

GHR Job Description
Position: Psychiatric Nurse
This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by
employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive
inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications which may be required of the employee assigned to
the position. Depending on the size of the facility the job duties may vary. Receipt of the job description does
not imply nor create a promise of employment, nor an employment contract of any kind; my employment with
the Company is at-will.
Position Summary
Nurses care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled. Under general supervision, they
deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and
evaluation, in accordance with established philosophy. Nurses collaborate with other professional disciplines
to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. Nurses effectively
interact with patient and significant others, while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. The nature
of the direction and supervision required for this position varies by State and job setting. Psychiatric Nurses
provide care to mentally ill and emotionally disturbed patients, as part of a team implementing an overall
psychiatric program.
Position Responsibilities
Psychiatric Nurses provide direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of
scientific nursing principles. In addition to basic nursing care, responsibilities of Psychiatric Nurses include (but
are not limited to):
ƒ Completes physical & mental health assessments
ƒ Develops care plans for patients, helping them be as independent as possible
ƒ Administers and monitors treatment regimens
ƒ Administers prescribed medications, making constant adjustments commensurate with a patient's condition
under the supervision of qualified medical staff
ƒ Observes and reports behavioral changes
ƒ Maintains control of drugs and medications
ƒ Helps patients improve their coping abilities
ƒ Works with patients’ families to help improve the patient’s abilities & help them deal with family member’s
mental illness
ƒ Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate
format and on the appropriate forms
ƒ Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting
Depending on setting, may also:
ƒ Direct care provided by licensed practical nurses and nursing aides
ƒ Float among various clinical services, where qualified and competent
Other Responsibilities
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Completes required orientation as directed by facility
Follows facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment
General Healthcare Resources, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Follows facility and GHR Unusual Occurrence Protocol
Respects cultural and religious practices of patients
Upholds HIPAA regulations
Punctual and dependent for assigned/confirmed shifts
Position Requirements
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Graduate of an accredited nursing program
Current nursing license, in good standing with the State licensing board
Minimum of one (1) year Psychiatric experience
Federal-, State- and GHR-required credentials current and on file
Cognitive skills as related to the position
Working Conditions
Psychiatric nurses normally work in hospitals, but can also be based in private clinics or residential homes.
Because patients need round-the-clock care, working hours include days, nights, weekends and holidays. The
number of patients assigned per shift will vary with the type of facility. The role can be potentially stressful
given the high level of care that needs to be given to patients. Nurses spend considerable time walking,
bending, stretching and standing; they assist in patient transfers, so a certain level of stamina is required.
Nurses must guard against back injury because they may have to assist in patient lifts and transfers; they must
follow proper body mechanics and procedures for lifting/moving patients. In addition, the population cared for
will contain patients that are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative.
Physical Demands
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Ability to lift twenty (20) pounds. Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty
(50) pounds, as well as assist with weights of more than one-hundred (100) pounds.
Ability to stand for extended periods
Fine motor skills
Visual acuity
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the
employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and
occasionally lift or move 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision,
color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The overall physical demand rating for a job of the nurse falls within the Medium classification (exerting 20 to
50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up
to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for
Light Work) according to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.
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*Physical demands as published by the US Department of Labor, 1991 in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4 , Edition.
You may contact GHR’s Human Resources Department for a comprehensive list of physical demands.
General Healthcare Resources, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer